An outstanding performance - a great win.

Selection:

Cook, Burbidge, R.Johnson, Shipman, Downsborough, J.Cole, Dawes, Ward, Rowntree, Thomson, Granger, Morrison, Bruce, Wilkinson, Cadogan.
Subs: Webb, Heron, Whitworth, & James.

Scorers:

Tries: J.Cole, Cook & Burbidge.
Cons: Thomson (2).
Pen: Thomson.

Report:

Heath travelled to Huddersfield looking to continue their unbeaten run. Fully aware this would be a tougher test against a side brimming with talent.

Rondene Johnson set the tone with a massive hit direct from the kick off. Heath dominated the early stages, controlling the ball superbly and huge in defence, lead well by man of the match Jonny Cole and Joe Morrison. After strong running by Cole, Johnson, Joe Shipman and Olly Cook, Ian Downsborough thought he’d created the first try but the pass evaded Harry Granger with the try-line open. Undeterred, Heath continued to press and Cole muscled his way over after Johnson, Cook and Oli Burbidge had gone close, Zak Thomson converted.

Huddersfield hit back with couple of long kicks after ill-discipline at the breakdown. After some awesome defence, a combination of superb line speed and massive hits by everyone, the hosts eventually scrambled over for an unconverted try. Gaz Webb replaced Matthew Wilkinson with Jack Bruce reverting to fullback. Thomson, Webb and Morrison stiffened up the middle of the field, with Max Dawes and Brook Ward working tirelessly against much heavier opposition. After more good pressure and controlled attacks, Burbidge was inches short before Cook picked and drove over the line. Half time 5-12.

George Heron and James Whitworth replaced Cook and Burbidge respectively. Huddersfield started brightly and camped deep in Heath’s half; only solid defence prevented any scores. Bruce was causing problems bringing the ball back from loose kicks and Morrison ran like a man possessed to relieve pressure. From a scrum ten metres out, the home side's impressive scrum half found the winger who powered over to reduce the deficit.

The visitors came back strongly, Phil Cadogan rounded his man and charged through. Huddersfield scrambled well but conceded a penalty which Thomson converted. Max Rowntree bounced around well, tackling way above his size and distributing superbly. Shipman and Downsborough rolled back the years, showing their class in a tough encounter. Wilkinson and Rowntree made good breaks, with Cole and Webb carrying on the good work. From a lineout Heath pushed for the decisive score, Morrison carried strongly before Burbidge went hard to register his first score of the season, Thomson converted. Emlyn James returned to the team as Downsborough took his turn on the bench, after an industrious 73 minutes. With time ticking down, Heron smashed ex Heathen Daz Neilly to the floor. Heath held their nerve and Webb gleefully cleared the ball to touch to bring the game to a close. Full time 10-22.

This was a game between two very good sides. As the Huddersfield coaching team pointed out, the difference was our game plan and how glaringly obvious it was that we train together on a regular basis. An outstanding squad performance, well done to the nineteen that entered the field. UTH 👊Hi